The SADC Council of Ministers Calls for Accelerated Regional Integration

The Council of Ministers of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) concluded its two-day meeting in Pretoria, South Africa, with a strong call for the accelerated implementation of regional policies and programmes aimed at advancing integration, industrialisation, and sustainable development across the region.

The meeting, held under the theme “Advancing Industrialisation, Agricultural Transformation, and Energy Transition for a Resilient SADC,” was opened and chaired by Honourable Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, in his capacity as Chairperson of the SADC Council of Ministers.

Hon. Lamola emphasised the importance of enhanced regional cooperation to deliver tangible improvements in the lives of citizens across SADC Member States. He highlighted the need to strengthen livelihoods, create jobs, improve food security, expand energy access, and build resilience to economic and environmental shocks.

“If integration remains rhetorical, confidence in our common agenda will diminish. But if we act decisively and implement agreed commitments effectively, our region has the potential to emerge as a dynamic force for industrial growth, innovation, and sustainable development,” he stated.

The Chairperson further called on Member States to intensify resource mobilisation efforts, ratify legal instruments that support regional cooperation, and leverage strategic partnerships to unlock new opportunities for growth.

The SADC Executive Secretary, His Excellency Elias Magosi, underscored the importance of peace and security as the foundation for regional development. He noted that stability remains a critical priority for the region, as it directly impacts industrialisation, investment flows, and the successful implementation of SADC’s Vision 2050.

“Without stability, industrialisation falters, investment declines, and Vision 2050 slips beyond reach,” said H.E. Magosi. He also highlighted ongoing regional engagement in addressing peace, security, and governance challenges in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar.

The Council acknowledged significant progress in regional integration, including increased digital connectivity with internet penetration reaching 54 percent, improvements in regional infrastructure such as the rollout of One-Stop Border Posts, and the addition of more than 14,000 megawatts of new electricity generation capacity. The share of renewable energy in the regional energy mix has also increased from approximately 25 percent to 38 percent.

In the area of trade integration, the SADC Executive Secretary reported that intra-regional trade in manufactured goods has increased from 19 percent to 22 percent, reflecting gradual progress in market integration and regional value chain development. Member States were urged to further eliminate trade barriers to strengthen economic growth.

Magosi also highlighted efforts to reposition the mining sector as a catalyst for industrialisation, emphasising the shift from the export of raw materials toward value addition. He noted that initiatives such as the revision of the SADC Protocol on Mining and the adoption of the Critical Minerals Framework present opportunities for the region to strengthen its role in global supply chains.

On financing regional development, the Executive Secretary stressed the importance of operationalising the Regional Development Fund (RDF) as a key mechanism to support regional integration initiatives and priority programmes.

“The RDF is our vehicle for transformation. Without it, we stand still. And with it, we can boldly move forward together,” he said.

Among the key outcomes of the meeting, the Council approved the 2026–2027 Annual Corporate Plan, designed to accelerate the implementation of priorities outlined in the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030. These priorities include peace and security, industrial development, infrastructure development, market integration, and social and human capital development, alongside cross-cutting issues such as gender, youth, climate change, and disaster risk management.

Recognising the growing impact of geopolitical tensions, climate-related shocks, and disruptions to global supply chains, the Council also resolved to convene an urgent meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs to assess the implications of these developments for the region. Ministers of Finance and Investment, together with Central Bank Governors, will conduct further assessments of their potential economic effects.

The Council further emphasised the need for predictable and diversified financing mechanisms to support the implementation of RISDP priorities. Member States that have not yet ratified the 2016 Agreement on the Operationalisation of the SADC Regional Development Fund were urged to expedite their national processes.

In the agricultural sector, the Council called for a coordinated regional response to Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), including strengthened cross-border surveillance, harmonised vaccination strategies, and enhanced information sharing to protect livestock-based livelihoods, trade, and food security.

The meeting also approved funding for 12 projects under the SADC HIV and AIDS Special Fund Round IV. These initiatives will focus on HIV prevention research, mental health integration, sexual and reproductive health services, gender-based violence prevention, and targeted programmes for key populations including youth.

Addressing disaster preparedness and resilience, the Council commended several Member States for supporting countries affected by disasters and called for greater investment in post-disaster recovery and climate adaptation measures.

Additionally, the Council welcomed the Mid-Term Review and Risk Assessment Reports of the RISDP 2020–2030 and directed the Secretariat to convene a technical workshop by June 2026 to update the implementation plan and prioritise flagship initiatives that drive regional growth and climate resilience.

The Council also approved three Memoranda of Understanding between SADC and Japan, the African Wildlife Economy Institute, and the World Food Programme. These partnerships aim to strengthen cooperation in areas including infrastructure development, food security, biodiversity conservation, disaster risk management, and sustainable economic growth.

Finally, the Council directed the SADC Secretariat to facilitate greater engagement with the SADC Committee of Ambassadors and High Commissioners to enhance coordination and support for the effective implementation of regional programmes and initiatives.

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This News was Procured from the SADC News.

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